For over nine decades, the “Big ‘Cap” has stood as a premier stakes event for seasoned male thoroughbreds at Santa Anita Park, graced by victorious equine legends such as Seabiscuit, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, and John Henry, to name a few luminaries. This year’s Santa Anita Handicap, presented by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, initially attracted a group of seven competitors, which was then reduced to six due to the withdrawal of the anticipated favorite, Skippylongstocking, who encountered difficulties during transit.
1. Midnight Mammoth (8-1 morning-line odds): The horse that secured fourth place in last year’s Santa Anita Handicap, Midnight Mammoth, most recently finished last among five in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes, trailing winner Westwood by 21 ¼ lengths and runner-up Getaway Car by 18 ½ lengths. While his strongest stakes performances have occurred over distances of 1 ¼ miles or greater, bridging such a significant gap against the top two from the San Pasqual in this particular race presents a considerable challenge.
JOCKEY: Armando Ayuso; TRAINER: Craig Dollase
2. Getaway Car (3-1): The victor of the 2025 Sunland Park Derby made his comeback from an extended period of inactivity in November, achieving a disappointing sixth-place finish in an allowance-optional claiming event. He displayed marked improvement in his subsequent outing, securing second place behind Westwood in the San Pasqual, with a deficit of 2 ¾ lengths. This performance earned him a new personal best Equibase Speed Figure, and he will need to sustain this upward trend to overcome his familiar adversary.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
3. Just a Touch (3-2): Just a Touch has achieved second place five times in stakes competitions and holds six top-three placements, including a runner-up spot in the 2024 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and a third-place finish in the 2025 Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap, though a stakes triumph has so far alluded him. This Saturday at the Santa Anita Handicap could mark a turning point. After a six-month break, Just a Touch returned in January to clinch second place by a neck in the Louisiana Stakes Presented by Hagyard at Fair Grounds and is anticipated to show further enhancement in his second race following the layoff.
JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Brad Cox
4. Vodka Vodka (6-1): This five-year-old gelding’s solitary stakes victory to date was on turf, yet he recorded his highest Equibase Speed Figure in a one-mile dirt race held in October at Del Mar. He is expected to contribute to what could be a brisk early tempo over 1 ¼ miles, alongside Midnight Mammoth, Getaway Car, Just a Touch, and Westwood.
JOCKEY: Kent Desormeaux; TRAINER: Aggie Ordonez
5. Skippylongstocking (SCRATCHED): Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. informed Daily Racing Form that Skippylongstocking exhibited unruly behavior while being boarded for the flight to Southern California, leading to his withdrawal from the race.
JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Saffie Joseph Jr.
6. British Isles (6-1): Achieved second place in the Grade 3 Native Diver Stakes in November at Del Mar during his initial attempt on dirt, subsequently finishing fifth against significantly stronger opposition in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes on January 24. The challenge presented here became more manageable with the scratching of Pegasus victor Skippylongstocking, and British Isles might benefit from what is projected to be a keenly contested early pace.
JOCKEY: Diego Herrera; TRAINER: Richard Baltas
7. Westwood (7-2): The swift winner of the San Pasqual Stakes is anticipated to be the betting favorite following the withdrawal of Pegasus World Cup victor Skippylongstocking. The race’s early speed appears to be crucial, as both of his wins have come when he has dictated the terms from the front. A victory in this race would serve as a poignant tribute to his late former trainer, John Shirreffs, who passed away on February 12, and Westwood is currently under the capable guidance of Peter Eurton. He stands out as a compelling and feel-good prime contender.
JOCKEY: Kazushi Kimura; TRAINER: Peter Eurton
THE PICK: Westwood
LIVE LONGSHOTs: British Isles/Vodka Vodka
TRIFECTA: 7-3-6
